Healthy People Healthy Trails, co-founded by Trails Council with Sansum Clinic in 2015, is a countywide collaborative working with healthcare providers and land/recreation organizations to encourage and support community members' public health and welfare and the environment's health. We aim to aid and increase equitable access to nature and the enjoyment of trails, parks, and open spaces for all, ensuring everyone feels included in our community's outdoor activities.
Being physically active and moving helps us prevent and manage chronic illnesses. It makes us happier and allows us to do better at school and work. It builds stronger communities and keeps the economy healthy, too.
The collaboration of healthcare providers and organizations supporting outdoor recreation work to make it easier for people in Santa Barbara County to lead an active lifestyle and enjoy being in nature.
- The Healthy People Healthy Trails Trail Guide is available to patients and the community at large. It is a tool that anyone can use to find easy, safe paths and trails to enjoy with their friends and families.
- Participating healthcare providers use Prescription for Outdoor Activity with their patients whom they believe could benefit from being more physically active.
- Each month, the organization's Outdoor Events Calendar is updated with group activities offered by over 20 organizations from one end of the county to the other.
We are sure you can agree that trails are a vital part of recreation in Santa Barbara County. They provide opportunities for physical exercise and social interaction. They foster a sense of community as we often share these experiences with others. They pass through scenic areas, historic sites, and diverse ecosystems, allowing us to experience memorable moments in the natural environment. These trails are not just for us; they are for the health of our ecosystems. Promoting a balance inspires us to take responsibility for conserving these precious environments.
APRIL IS HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY TRAILS MONTH
Healthy People Healthy Trails Month allows for further awareness, education, collaboration, and an increase of outdoor activities through promoting the exploration of amazing places, discovering stories of history and culture, and the growing movement of healthcare providers referring patients to venture outside to improve their health and well-being. For more information, see the Outdoor Events Calendar.
Learn More →